Legal Definitions - exhibitionism

Exhibitionism refers to the act of intentionally exposing one's genitals or other intimate body parts in a public place, or in a place visible to the public, with the purpose of shocking, arousing, or gratifying oneself, and without the consent of the observer. The legal focus is on the public nature of the exposure and the intent to display indecently, rather than simply being unclothed in a private or permitted setting.

• Example 1: A person standing at their apartment window, which directly faces a busy public park, intentionally drops their pants and exposes themselves to passersby below.

  Explanation: This illustrates exhibitionism because the individual deliberately exposed intimate body parts in a location visible to the public (the park), without the consent of the observers, and with an implied intent to display indecently.

• Example 2: During a crowded outdoor festival, an individual suddenly opens their trench coat to reveal their naked body to a group of strangers before quickly closing it and walking away.

  Explanation: This scenario fits the definition as the person intentionally displayed their body in a public setting (the festival) to an unsuspecting audience, fulfilling the criteria of an indecent display.

• Example 3: While driving on a public highway, a passenger in a car leans out the window and briefly exposes their buttocks to occupants of another vehicle.

  Explanation: Even though it's a brief exposure, the act of intentionally displaying an intimate body part from a public thoroughfare to another vehicle's occupants, without their consent and with an intent to shock or display indecently, constitutes exhibitionism.